How to Install Android 9.0 Pie on OnePlus 3 via GZOSP custom ROM

Even though the OnePlus 6T was just released, some other OnePlus branded devices are still rocking fast on the market. Of course, we’re talking about the already 2-years old OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T. Now, the official Android 9.0 Pie firmware might be coming for these handsets sometime during January 2019, so if you’re not planning to upgrade pretty soon, then you can just wait until the official roll out is being offered. Or you can choose the fastest method and flash the new GZOSP custom ROM software.

This custom ROM was successfully compiled by those of xda-developers on the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T and today we will show you how to set it up on the original OnePlus 3 device – the update tutorial for the OnePlus 3T will be soon explained too, so stay close.

As already pointed out, the GZOSP custom ROM is based on the stock Android 9.0 Pie firmware, so the same Android build will be flashed on your OnePlus 3. Of course, you won’t be getting the official Android UI but a modified version of the same Android system. The GZOSP custom ROM comes with dedicated features and apps which cannot be found on the stock platform, but it will ensure a stable and a smooth Pie experience on a daily basis.

The GZOSP custom ROM is still under development stage so issues (minor ones) might be still experienced. Thus, we recommend this update opportunity only for the experienced Android users who are used with such unofficial Android ROMs. Anyway, you shouldn’t worry as the software is currently stable enough for a daily use as the main functionality works without software related problems.

With the GZOSP custom ROM installed your OnePlus 3 should run faster than before. Moreover, you will be able to use built-in capabilities in order to tweak the overall Android system in order to upgrade general performance and improve the battery life.

Before choosing to set up this Android 9.0 Pie firmware on your OnePlus 3 we recommend you a Nandroid backup. With such process applied you will manage to save the current Android OS that runs on your device. So, afterwards, if you won’t like how the new ROM performs, you will be able to choose to go back to stock easily, be flashing the Nandroid backup package.

Of course, this is going to be an unofficial manner in which your OnePlus 3 can be updated to Android 9.0 Pie. The GZOSP custom ROM is developed by third party devs and has nothing to do with your OEM or with Google. That’s why the warranty of your phone will get void – that shouldn’t be a real problem considering that the device is available from a while now.

An unlocked bootloader is required on your OnePlus 3 if you want to complete this update operation. Also, root access must be ensured on your Android device as otherwise the custom ROM cannot be installed. And finally, the GZOSP custom ROM can be flashed only if a custom recovery image can be used; therefore, first install TWRP recovery on your handset.

A general backup must be ensured on your OnePlus 3 first – during the Android 9.0 Pie update process a hard reset will be initiated and clearing app data cache won’t be optional. Thus, if you don’t want to risk losing important apps you should first use your favorite backup and restore solutions: use an external storage device, sync apps with your Google account, use built-in cloud storage services or download backup and restore apps from Google Play. On your way don’t forget to save what’s essential: contacts, call logs, texts, images, videos, audio files, market apps, internet settings, EFS folder, IMEI / NVRAM data, saved passwords and everything else that might be still required afterwards.

A computer is required for this manual update procedure. There, you will have to download the update package and compatible Google Apps – Google Apps aren’t installed on the GZOSP custom ROM file so it might be applied separately.

On your OnePlus 3 you will have to enable Developer Options: go to About Phone and from there start tapping repeatedly on Built Number until the ‘you are a developer’ message is displayed. And then, from Developer Options check the USB Debugging field – just follow this path: ‘menu - > settings - > developer options’.

Charge your OnePlus 3 before setting up the GZOSP custom ROM firmware. It’s important to ensure more than 50% power on your device as otherwise a sudden shut down might happen right while you try to follow the steps explained below – if that happens, you will risk in soft-bricking your Android based device as different malfunctions can be caused if you’re not careful enough.

Unplug the USB cable when done and enter recovery mode again on your smartphone.

This time in recovery tap on Install and load the GZOSP custom ROM package. Swipe in order to start the Android 9.0 Pie update operation.

When done, repeat the last step and flash compatible Google Apps.

Finally, from main menu of recovery pick ‘reboot system now’.

Good work. Now you should be able to test the Android 9.0 Pie firmware on your own OnePlus 3. Do try the GZOSP ROM functionality and if you find issues or malfunctions share your observations with us and with the other users who might want to follow this step by step guide. And, of course, for more similar update opportunities available for your OnePlus 3 stay close or search through our ‘how to’ page. Enjoy.